Didrachm with standing hound (reverse)
Silver, Segesta, Sicily, c. 450 BC
J.P. Getty Museum, Los Angeles

In some instances, the image of a dog appeared on the reverse side of the Didrachm, typically accompanied by other motifs or symbols relevant to the issuing city-state or ruler. The portrayal of a dog on the coin could symbolise loyalty, guardianship, or even religious significance, depending on the context and cultural beliefs of the time. For example, in ancient Greek city-states like Athens, dogs were revered for their loyalty and protective instincts, making them suitable symbols for aspects of civic identity and defence. In other regions, dogs held religious significance, associated with deities such as Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and wild animals.